Photo: A Markofer first grader and his dad enjoy a good book together.

Bright and early on Friday morning, parents, grandparents – and even a great-grandparent – began filing into the multipurpose room at Florence Markofer Elementary School. Waiting patiently, the parents milled about the room, chatting with one another and clutching children’s books. A couple of fathers perused the continental breakfast goodies arranged on a nearby table and took a sample.

Photo: A grandfather spends time reading with his granddaughter.

Within minutes, the first grade B and C track classes at Markofer entered the room and you could feel the energy increase immediately. The students broke into big smiles and waved at their parents as first grade teachers Jason Allen and Rhonda Moitoso arranged them in two neat rows near the stage.

A hush fell over the room as Markofer Principal Eric Murchison welcomed parents and briefly explained the importance of reading consistently with their children. Then parents were able to join their children outside, reading books that both the children and their parents brought to share.

“’Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Moms’ is a great way to reach out to parents,” Murchison said. “It is so important for parents to spend time with their children as they progress through school and reading with them when they’re young is perfect for building a strong foundation for them to grow from. Every time we have this event, it’s well attended so we hope to host it for many years to come.”

Markofer’s program focuses on first grade students, their parents and the importance of not only parents reading to their children, but having their children read back to them as well.

Several elementary schools throughout the district also offer variations on the “Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Mom” program theme.

Maeola Beitzel Elementary School is one of them. Beitzel’s PTO sponsors their variation of the program.

Photo: A Markofer first grader spends time reading to her parents.

“The ‘Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Moms’ idea is an excellent way to get parents on campus with their children,” said Martin Martinez, principal at Beitzel. “Ours is used to promote parent involvement in various activities. Our ‘Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Moms’ event is scheduled for the spring and it will discuss the importance of STAR testing and how parents can help their children become better prepared.”